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29.10.14

Allow me to introduce you to Pamela Love's bespoke champagne box for Veuve Clicquot. The famous jewellery designer created the box to be auctioned off to help the Parsons The New School for Design in New York. The collaboration kicks off the Re-Creation Awards, an international design competition where designers are invited to create their own limited edition Mailbox.

27.10.14

Was Geometry your worst subject in school? Well it is about to make you a lot more stylish. "Geometry London," the UK leather bag brand is making use of the shapes that surround our world and injecting them into your wardrobe.

1) Why the name Geometry London?
Geometry is the foundation of any man- made design. There is an instant & direct relationship when you hear our brand name and see our creations. Our brand motto is to keep it simple and identifiable. Geometry London is catchy and has quick recall value.

2) Why bags and why leather?
Bags are an extension of our personality. They are our friends and our keepers. Bags are the most visible accessory amongst all. Not only are they fashionable but also extremely functional. For us a bag is a work of art that makes itself useful.
Leather gives a sense of luxury & opulence. It’s durable and breathable. A leather handbag if maintained well can last you a lifetime. It is also relatively environment friendly, as it is bio degradable in 50 years as opposed to 500 years for other substitutes.

3) How large is the collection at the moment?
Our collection encompasses the fundamental shapes of Geometry. We continue to introduce new designs which showcase the variations that can be created
from those shapes.

4) Where do you see your company going in five years?
We see Geometry London having a global reach. Branching into other fashion products and maintaining a place in the mind & hearts of our customers by sculpting Geometry London around their functional & fashionable needs in times to come.

5) What do you think about designers like Jeremy Scott, Anya Hindmarch, and Lulu Guinness creating such kitchy bags?
Fashion is Creativity Personified. It is Freedom of Expression. A big salute to all the above designers for representing the playful side of fashion in their own demeanour.

6) Favourite market or area to shop in London?
Covent Garden. It is an inspiring amalgamation of shopping, food & showcase of talent. It has a vibrancy that lights you up. It’s the one stop locale whether you are after coveted luxury brands or want to wander around tantalizing your imagination and feeling inspired.

7) What is the culture like at Geometry HQ?
Our culture is very open, friendly, and welcoming. Every person in our team is a hands-on contributor in sharing ideas and opinions. We promote and harness spontaneous creativity as Inspiration is everywhere; you never know where it may come from.

8) What type of music is playing in the background in the design studio?
We by and large play music that is soulful, that which can inspire us. Ignite a spark for a radical idea and unwind our minds simultaneously. The current favourite being background scores of the Oscar Nominated movie HER.

9) If you could have one person wear your bag who would it be and why?
Emma Watson. She’s smart, talented & chic. She has transformed from a cute girl to a confident young lady. Her fashion sense is versatile. She can pull off any look be it sweet & sassy or bold & quirky. She would definitely carry off any Geometry London bag with just the right blend of edge & grace.

10) If Geometry London was a person how would you describe him or her?
Versatile. A Modernizer and Trendsetter.

21.10.14

Yesterday, Monday October 20th, the fashion world bid farewell to a true talent, Mr. Oscar de la Renta. At the age of 82 the designer has passed after losing a very long battle with cancer. My heart goes out to those close to him and here is to hoping that his legacy will continue under his fashion label.

Here are some of my favourite pieces from his final collection: Spring 2015 RTW, photos via Fabio Ionà and Style.com.

17.10.14

I'd like to start off this article by saying that normcore is different from minimalism: Céline does minimalist chic while Gap is attempting to capitalize on the normcore trend.

However the roots of normcore were planted before Gap attempted to put celebrities in plain black pants in mundane life tasks. When you look at the NY Times article "The New Normal" it pictures a collage of slogan tees, baseball caps, and New Balance sneakers. Does this mean the shirt my boyfriend got in his pack of beer is now fashionable? The article defines normcore as such:

Some people do mix the high and low well, it's a great chance to show your personality while still emulating effortless style that street photographers love to photograph and we love to consume but I must admit I find the new normcore trend a bit boring and I see this trajectory of fashion becoming lazy.

Gap capitalizes on the NY Times article

I don't necessarily want to see normcore on the runways or in ads and magazine editorials because there is no craftsmanship, to me there is nothing about it that offers escapism from the mundane and allows for me to transcend this realm.

It could all be a matter of opinion and I prefer well constructed pieces that accentuate my body and allow me to look put together at work or out with friends at a new restaurant.

Céline Spring 2015 RTW via Photo: Monica Feudi

I believe there is a time and a place for normcore, I'll wear that beer box shirt to the gym over a pair of leggings or those slip on sandals by the pool because I don't think those events need that much effort. However, you will never catch me in anything Jerry Seinfeld would wear; according to the NY Time article the popular comedian's outfits worn during the golden-age of Seinfeld are said to be leading the way with this trend.

The term was coined by a trend-forecasting group K-Hole, who have said in their manifesto that normcore is not really a trend but more of an attitude that flips the last few years of fashion on its head. Apparently we are all tired of wearing skinny jeans and overdressing and would like nothing more than to revert back to the fashion of the early-90s. The article ends on a poignant but rather-harsh statement: "Are they ahead [of the] fashion curve? Hopelessly behind [it]? The first question is whether they are on their way to a job whipping up absinthe-infused cocktails at Freemans, or grilling bacon-Cheddar burgers at TGI Friday’s."

Now you could agree or disagree with me but the world of fashion is attracted to shiny new things and there is nothing shiny or new about normcore. Consider this, if we all wanted to dress in white tees and plain ill-fitting pieces wouldn't we all shop at one store? Unfortunately I don't think the billion dollar fashion industry could survive off of that. I see normcore as nothing more than a current fad and an attitude that may lend itself well to certain areas of life however designers, real designers, are fueled by creativity and although not every piece of clothing needs to be expensive or over-the-top, even the most simplistic of designs still attempt to create an experience for the person wearing the item.

16.10.14

There is a new up-and-coming sunglasses brand ready to make the people of London more stylish. Learn about the brain behind the brand in this exclusive interview as I play "10 Questions" with its founder. 1. Jack 101 - Stats: Name/Age/Location
Jack Beadle, 23, London

2. When did you start to design sunglasses and why did you choose to work with bamboo?
I’m a huge fan of the summer and naturally very keen on sunglasses. A cool pair of sunglasses can really make your outfit unique and stand out. For years, I’ve been using bamboo as I love the light-weight and texture. Only recently have I decided that now was a good time to bring this to the mass market.

3. What is your favourite London hangout?
For a drink you'll often find me in Home House in Mayfair. I love the Georgian house and vibrant atmosphere. Its a great place to relax after work with some friends and enjoy a few cocktails.

4. Where do you see your company going in five years?
Sunnies of London has the potential to be a very strong brand. We've had a very successful launch and now we’re looking to go from strength to strength. In 5 years, I foresee us continuing to be a trendsetter but now as a household name. We ship all over the world – so plenty of opportunities for growth.

Some Sunnies with my Chanel bag

5. What do you think of the accessories market at this point in time?
Accessories are a way of making your outfit unique and stand out – for that reason, the market will always be strong. Sunglasses in particular are a way of expressing your personality and character.

6. If you could have one person wear your Sunnies who would it be and why?
Prince Harry! Quintessentially British and a lot of fun!

7. What music do you listen to while in the design studio and out and about your daily life?
Really depends on my mood and activity. When I’m trying to be creative I’ll often listen to a soundtrack by Hans Zimmer – whereas if I’m out running (I’m training for the London Marathon 2015) then I prefer club music with a faster beat.

8. What inspires you/where does your inspiration come from?
I’m predominately inspired by everyday people – I love ‘people watching’ on the tube – I think it’s a great way to find out what the latest trends are styles are.

9. What is your 9-5 dress code?
I love a classic suit, Italian loafers and of course a pair of Sunnies!

10. What are 3 items you can’t live without?
My Phone, my Sunnies and my guitar!

15.10.14

Lucy Folk is an Australia jewellery designer who considers herself to be a foodie and rather than host a party with food, she puts all of that energy into her jewellery collections. Her current collection "Sugar" has just been released with a whole slew of great photos I just had to share!

13.10.14

Its all about the show-stopping clutch this year, now this is no new trend however designers are really starting to step it up this year. Designer Yazbukey has looked to Paris for inspiration for her latest collection and has joined iconic Parisian symbols with pop art to create must-have clutches. Le "Live Fast" clutch is on Moda Operandi for $870 and you can order it here.

9.10.14

Sometimes all it takes is a purse or a pair of killer boots to bring together an entire outfit, Invaluablecame to me with a challenge: pick a ring that speaks to you on the site and show us how you'd style it. I found a ring that was delicate and feminine yet structured and immediately I envisioned the perfect look to showcase. The ring, a 14K rose gold and diamond ring has the ability to stand on its own so I recommend adding a floppy hat and the fringe bag to make this the perfect Autumn look.

8.10.14

Protect yourself and be sure to end up on a street-style feed with this funky clutch from newcomer Poppy Lissiman. I may need to trade in my usual evil eye jewelry for this super stylish reinvention. Make it yours by pre-ordering the $75 AUD clutch here.

2.10.14

Full name: Jane Louise Mooney, 36 years old, based in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

2. When and why did you start to design jewellery?

I started designing and making jewellery a couple of years ago. I was struggling to find pieces that were 'just right' in terms of look, size and proportions. I'm from a design background, but I taught myself goldsmithing, I just bought some basic equipment and started from there!

3.Do you have any pets and what are their names?

I have a very old (nearly 19!) tortoiseshell cat called Millie. She likes to keep me company in the studio when I'm working and she's a regular star on our Instagram feed.

4. What inspired you/where does your inspiration come from?

I'm inspired by the shapes that occur in nature. I love to see the patterns within gemstones and try to work with the natural geometries to produce interesting and wearable pieces.

5. Where do you see your company going in five years?

I would love to show at London Fashion Week in the designer showrooms and take the brand global. My vision is for Parisi Jewellery to be the 'go to' brand for chic, covetable pieces that have and edge to them.

6. What do you think of the accessories market at this point in time?

I think it's a great period for accessories at the moment, particularly fine jewellery. Precious jewels are a superb investment and there's a real enthusiasm for irreverent pieces that subvert the idea of what fine jewellery should be.

7. If you could have one person wear your jewellery who would it be and why?

I would LOVE for Sarah Jessica Parker to wear my pieces. I think she has such grace and elegance and is the epitome of chic.

8. What music do you listen to while in the design studio and out and about your daily life?

I do love all sorts of music, but in the studio I watch TV box sets! They just play in the background while I'm working. I am a bit of an eighties fan, and my boyfriend makes me amazing playlists that I have on my iPod when I go running.

9. Where did your fascination with the universe and space come from?

I've always loved astronomy and geology, I am a real geek at heart! I think it's amazing that the vast majority of the elements are forged in the heat of an exploding star, the gold in the metal work and the carbon in the diamonds is made from star stuff. I wanted to design a collection using this as inspiration and the Elements Collection was born.